Dresden State Art Collections

The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections) are among the foremost museums of the world. A total of twelve museums offer a thematic diversity that is exceptional for its kind.
The museum originated in the collections of the Saxon electors, several of whom were also kings of Poland. Historical sources show that August I, Elector of Saxony, founded the electoral Kunstkammer (literally “art chamber”) in the Residenzschloss Dresden (Dresden Royal Palace) in 1560. August the Strong and his son, August III, King of Poland, were important patrons and remarkable connoisseurs. They developed their art collections in a systematic fashion; in the process, they not only provided a foundation of extraordinary masterpieces for the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, but also made these works accessible to select circles in their own time. To the present day, the organisers of the collections consider it their duty to preserve tradition while developing their visions and helping to shape the future.Text sourceImage source